there was a wedding last weekend

And it was a joyful affair! Having just come down off the wedding high myself, this special ceremony was even more poignant than usual. My dear friend, marrying the man of her dreams, both of them following the God who so clearly led them together. I have many reasons to say this, many tales to tell, but they aren't my stories to share. Erin and Ben have the blessing of walking into a life together that has been paved by prayers and a mutual desire to serve God. I am so excited to see what that means for them!

Not to mention how wonderful it was to see friends from the far corners of the earth! YAY!


*That just makes me happy.
(We've come a long way!)


Well look who just rolled in from Bolivia! Bienvenido, Megan! She flew straight to Chicago from La Paz the night before the wedding. There may have been tears of reuniting.

Erin's new sister-in-law, Heather, taking a break from behind the camera to steam our dresses.

Mother of the Bride, fluffing the veil.

There she is! Oh, wow.

We got all our pictures out of the way before the wedding. The bride and groom had a special moment "alone" together seeing each other for the first time. And they were alone, except for the videographer and photographer. And the bridesmaids stationed at windows peeking over the balcony.

I love spying!

Ben and Erin were wed at Wheaton College Church. It is a beautiful church, and decorated so sweetly for Christmas. It was stunning. They were stunning. Are you ready for this?

I know.

Here's another one.

wow.
The groom and his mom. A picture of preciousness.

les fleurs. Winterberry bright.

Beautiful wedding. Beautiful reception. And Christmas cheer everywhere. Snow started fluttering during the reception, adding to the already-perfect picture. I'm so glad I could be a part of it.

I'm also glad I could hug these three.
Bolivia, Charlotte, Kenya, Long Island, respectively. It's not every day we see each other.

Megan and Jenny were represented by paper cut outs at my wedding, so it was a TREAT to hug them in the real. We got some real quality time together the next day, but more on that later.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!